The third and final fight between Joe Frazier and Ali was signed for September 30, 1975 in Manila, the Philippines, and was billed Ali as “The Thrilla in Manila”. The pre-fight banter by Ali was cruel, calling Frazier “The Gorilla”, in an attempt to get under Joe’s skin. Frazier smiled, but seethed underneath, and planned […]

 Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali agreed to meet for the second time, on January 28, 1974 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. After his knockout loss to George Foreman in January of 1973, Joe had one more bout that year, vs. Joe Bugner on July 2 in England. Frazier got back on the

Following his easy win over Terry Daniels in January of 1972, Joe Frazier seemed to more interested in his singing career than being a boxer. He and his group ‘The Knockouts’ performed in different locales, and to decent reviews. He had no intention of giving Ali a rematch, and was frank about it. While Muhammad

The ‘Fight of the Century’ between heavyweight champion Joe Frazier and ex-champ Muhammad Ali, was set for March 8, 1971 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. At just 10 years old, even I was excited about this one, and read every article printed in Sports Illustrated previewing the bout. I was flabbergasted when

Joe’s first bout of 1969 was on April 22, 1969 vs. Dave Zyglewicz at the Sam Houston Center in Houston, Texas. ‘Smokin’ Joe stopped him in one round on ABC TV, in what was his third defense of heavyweight title. His next opponent in two months would a whole different story. On June 23, 1969

As I write this, it’s 40 years since the bout took place on September 21, 1985 at the Riviera Casino Hotel in Las Vegas. Don King promoted it as ‘History. A September to Remember’, since it marked the 30 year anniversary of Rocky Marciano’s last fight. Holmes would enter the ring 48-0, and a win

Joe Frazier fought nine times in 1966, with his managers gradually stepping up his competition. Name boxers like Charlie Polite, Chuck Leslie and Billy Daniels were now on his resume of victories, and in September he faced his toughest opponent in Oscar Bonavena. The fight on the 21st at Madison Square Garden saw Joe hit

Joseph William Frazier was born on January 12, 1944 in Beaufort, South Carolina. HIs family worked as sharecroppers, so he was introduced to hard work as a child. At 15, Joe was working for the Bellamy family, who owned a farm and were mentors to him. Following their urging, Joe and decided to move to

Growing up in south Jersey, boxing was not something that I watched or cared about much. Sure, I heard of big names like Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, but at 10 years old, baseball, football and basketball were my favorites sports. My dad would talk once in a while about going to see Rocky Marciano

After the loss to Mayweather in May of 2007, Oscar didn’t return to the ring for a year. His return bout was with Steve Forbes at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California at a catchweight of 150 lbs. De La Hoya’s plan was to return to the welterweight division, and then back down to